Democrats make a point of showing up at 2017 Detroit Labor Day Parade

Former Senate minority leader Gretchen Whitmer was just one of a number of Democrats at Detroit's annual Labor Day parade.

Whitmer for Governor

Detroit’s annual Labor Day parade attracted the usual mix of union members, activists and political candidates this year.

Those candidates included three of the Democrats running for governor.

Former state Senate minority leader Gretchen Whitmer has lined up most of the big labor support statewide. She met and marched with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, among others.

Whitmer says workers are now “under attack” by Republicans at both the state and national levels. But she says labor’s past successes show it — and other social movements — a way forward.

“One of the most interesting things I think is in this climate, we are learning the lessons of the labor movement. And that is when we speak with one voice, we set the agenda,” Whitmer said.

Whitmer says she believes a “strong governor” can make important strides for labor in Michigan, even if Republicans continue to dominate state and national politics.

Former Detroit health department director Abdul El-Sayed was also there supporting unions and union hopefuls, including fast food workers and others fighting for a $15 per hour minimum wage.

“I’m honored to be here standing in solidarity with my brothers and sisters in labor, because we have common cause, building the kind of world that is equitable to everybody.”

El-Sayed says he thinks Democrats have “given up a lot of fights” when it comes to issues affecting workers. He vowed to take on everything from protecting the rights of contract workers, to fighting for universal health care.

“I’m not giving up on anything,” El-Sayd said. “We will go everyone, talk to everyone, have the kind of conversations that unite us around the kind of challenges that we all face together.”

Scientist-turned-entrepreneur Shri Thanedar also attended the parade and met with different labor groups “to show solidarity for worker’s rights and support of a $15 minimum wage,” according to his campaign.

Other Democrats in the midst of campaigns also appeared at the parade. They included U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, who’s up for re-election in 2018.

So did Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and challenger Coleman Young II. They face off in a general election this November.

Flint Congressman Dan Kildee's decision to stay out of the Democratic race for Michigan's governor makes the field a little less crowded, but there's still competition for a spot on next year's ballot.

Last week, Statesidespoke with Democratic candidate Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, the former head of the Detroit Health Department.

Today, Gretchen Whitmer joined the show. Whitmer served for 14 years in the Michigan House and Senate, including four years as Senate Minority Leader. She was the interim prosecutor for Ingham County during the last half of 2016. She kicked off this year by announcing her run for governor in 2018.

Indian-born small businessman Shri Thanedar announced he is joining the race for governor of Michigan today in Detroit.

Thanedar is seeking the Democratic nomination. He's never held public office, but says he and his family will serve the state that helped him achieve success.

“We have done well for our family, but it is time now to try and help others in my state achieve their American dream. Within months, I sold my business, gave my staff a $1.5 million bonus, and decided to devote the rest of my life to public service,” Thanedar said.